The official number of deaths caused by the coronavirus in the world is inexorably approaching the 1 million mark, while the infected are over thirty-two million.
While in Rome, the evacuation of employees from the Ministry of Economic Development is underway after an employee tests positive for Covid (source: Corriere della Sera), the hypothesis of prolonging the state of emergency beyond 15 October and until 31 December of this year is once again circulating. However, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) identifies Italy as having "low overall risk of Covid-19 for the general population and the health system". On the other hand, the risk for the elderly is "very high".
In Europe, where the infections are more than 5 million, several countries are fighting against the second wave by imposing new targeted restrictions and lockdowns. The situation is particularly delicate in France and Spain, where the Madrid Region is the main concern, while in the United Kingdom the Budget law is skipped and new rules enter into force.
Here is the situation country by country.
CORONAVIRUS IN FRANCE
Also on 23 September, France recorded over 13 new coronavirus infections. New restrictions will start between Saturday and Monday. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Olivier Veran, who spoke of a "deteriorated" epidemiological situation.
Maximum alert in Marseille and in Aix-en-Provance, where the incidence rate has risen above 250 cases per 100 inhabitants. Bars and restaurants will be closed from Saturday to avoid crowds and promote social distancing. Paris and 10 other cities (Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice Rennes, Rouen, Saint-Etienne and Toulouse) are on the other hand under heightened alert, which will force bars and restaurants to close at 22pm. Schools still open, gyms and arenas closed . No to weddings, but gatherings of groups of more than 10 people and parties are prohibited in public places.
COVID-19 IN SPAIN
In Spain on 23 September there were over 11 new cases and 130 deaths. Madrid is above all worrying, where there were 1.300 infections. 16 districts in the region risk remaining semi-isolated. The regional authorities, after having imposed the lockdown in six districts of the city and 7 other municipalities, have asked the central government to bring in the army to install tents, carry out tests and carry out disinfection work. New restrictions could arrive next week. The Government is considering expanding the number of areas subject to reduced mobility.
CORONAVIRUS IN THE UK
Not an easy situation also in the United Kingdom, where over 6 thousand new cases have been registered, the highest number in the last 4 months. The Treasury has announced that no financial statements will be presented in the autumn. "It's not the right time to outline long-term plans, people want to see us focused on the here and now," the Treasury said.
New restrictions will come into effect from Thursday which will be "in force for six months" with the possibility of extension. The squeeze will affect pubs, restaurants and bars, forced to close at 22pm and forced to serve only tables. After inviting citizens to return to the office, Boris Johnson turns around and pushes for smart working. Strict controls are foreseen on the maximum limit of 6 people in social contacts. No spectators in stadiums and weddings limited to 15 guests.
Downing Street also reserves "the power to take stricter measures", including "if necessary" the use of the army in backup tasks to allow agents to concentrate more on surveillance of anti-Covid measures.
CORONAVIRUS IN ISRAEL
From Friday 26 September until 9 October, the day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a total lockdown will be in effect in Israel. All non-essential businesses and synagogues closed, public transport routes reduced.
A new peak of infections has been reached in the last 24 hours, with 6.861 new cases out of less than 60 tests carried out. The morbidity rate approaches 12%.
CORONAVIRUS IN THE USA
The United States is the first country in the world for the number of infections and deaths, with 6,8 million infections and 200 deaths. Although the US accounts for less than 5% of the world's population, it accounts for about 20% of deaths caused by the virus.
The White House is evaluating the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines for the vaccine against Covid-19 and does not rule out vetoing the body's outlined rules. “They have to be approved by the White House. We may or may not approve them. Sounds like a political move to me. Why lengthen the process?” Donald Trump said, noting that he sees no reason to delay the vaccine.
Meanwhile, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), has advised Americans against celebrating Halloween with the traditional "trick or treat". No to costume parties or "haunted houses".
MATTARELLA LASH BORIS JOHNSON
“We Italians love freedom too, but we also care about seriousness”. Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, replied on Thursday to the controversial sentence pronounced the day before by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. During a debate at Parliament in Westminster, Downing Street's number one said that Covid-19 is much more widespread in Great Britain than in Germany or Italy because the British, unlike other peoples, "are lovers of freedom”, and therefore it is difficult to impose on them the rules of behavior that would serve to contain the pandemic. This statement was triggered by a Labor MP, who asked Johnson if he didn't believe that the better situation in Germany and Italy was linked to the fact that these countries have a really effective system of containment and tracking of infections.
